Wrexham FC’s Jay Harris wants to repay Dean Saunders’ faith

NEW Wrexham FC signing Jay Harris has expressed his gratitude to manager Dean Saunders for giving him an opportunity to redeem himself following a 12-month ban for his involvement in a betting scandal.

NEW Wrexham FC signing Jay Harris has expressed his gratitude to manager Dean Saunders for giving him an opportunity to redeem himself following a 12-month ban for his involvement in a betting scandal.

The former Chester City midfielder has been signed on a one-year deal after impressing in a Racecourse friendly against a Liverpool XI on Tuesday evening, just 24 hours after his exile officially came to an end.

Now, the 23-year-old Liverpudlian is anxious to make up for lost time and is hoping to help the Dragons mount a promotion challenge in the season ahead.

“I’ve made mistakes but I want to put all that behind me now,” Harris said.

“I simply want to get on with playing football and showing what I can do.

“I had one training session with the rest of the lads before playing against Liverpool and I was buzzing with excitement at being back in the old routine.

“Considering I hadn’t played a game for 14 months, I thought I did well to play for 70 minutes on Tuesday, but I was probably running on adrenaline.

“It was a big moment for me and I’ve always liked playing at the Racecourse.

“I thought the lads did well and that it was a decent game to watch, but we still have a lot of work to do before the season starts.”

Already familiar with several Wrexham players, including Andy Mangan, Neil Ashton and David Brown, Harris added: “There are a lot of lads here who can play good football and my contribution is that I get around the pitch and win the ball.

“I will be fitter by the time the season begins and I’m looking forward, first and foremost to earning a place in the team and then helping Wrexham to win promotion this season.”

Assistant manager Brian Carey, in charge at Colliers Park yesterday because boss Dean Saunders was meeting a player he hopes to sign, revealed Preston North End will be bringing a full-strength side to the Racecourse for Wednesday evening’s friendly.

“We’re delighted with that and it promises to be a good test for the players,” he said.

“Grateful as we are to Liverpool for sending a team over earlier in the week, it was nevertheless a bit disappointing that none of their senior players were involved.

“But with what has been happening there during the summer, perhaps it’s understandable.”

Wrexham Supporters’ Association has launched a 12th Dragon fund to boost the club’s player budget, with the first target a goalkeeper to challenge current No 1 Chris Maxwell. Fans can contribute on a one-off or regular basis and full details are available from the club shop. Online donations can be made at www.wrexhamfan.co.uk